NY Slides to 21st in Country for Smoking-Cessation Efforts

New York ranks 21st in the country for funding efforts to end smoking, sliding from fifth place just a few years ago, according to a report released Thursday by the American Cancer Society Action Network and several other health advocacy groups.

“New York’s slide continues and sadly, it’s not surprising,” said Blair Horner, vice president for advocacy for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network of NY & NJ, in a statement. “Over the past few years, funding for the state’s tobacco prevention program has been cut by more than half. That means fewer smokers can get the help they need to quit and more kids are trying their first cigarette.

“New York reaps more than $2 billion in revenue from tobacco, but spends little to help smokers quit and keep kids from trying tobacco,” he continued. “The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network urges Gov. Cuomo to consider New York’s declining rank as he prepares his 2013-2014 Executive Budget and allocate additional funding for the state’s tobacco control program.”